2024 City of Amarillo Public Health Assessment – The Opportunity

I recently wrote about Christina’s experience with High Plains Health Plan.  She underwent surgery after a fall and fracture.  She paid $0 out of pocket for her care.  I also shared Christina’s story with our elected officials in the greater Amarillo area. The Mayor, City Council, both County Judges and both County Commissioner Courts  

The City of Amarillo just announced the launching of the 2024 Community Health Assessment, which I always enjoy digging into.  City is asking for “input from all residents”, and that the input will help guide health and social service providers to better address the needs of Amarillo, with the goal of creating a healthier community for all.  A mission we certainly support through our work.

Affordability and accessibility of care are critical pillars in determining the health of a community, and in order to make a community healthier, its citizens need access to more affordable care.  These two issues impact whether individuals can obtain the healthcare services they need, which, in turn, influences overall health outcomes.

Here are some important highlights from the last Community Health Assessment in 2018 that emphasize just how important healthcare affordability and accessibility are in our community:

TOP THREE HEALTH ISSUES FACING THE COMMUNITY:  Access to care tied for third largest issue the community faces.  Cost is the #1 barrier to healthcare in America, and our community.

RESOURCES NEEDED TO ADDRESS RISK FACTORS:  Affordable access to care, and community collaboration among top resources needed.  We are engaged directly with many healthcare providers, locally and nationally, to deliver affordable care to covered members.  Our Tier One network of healthcare providers is available for viewing so you can see precisely who is stepping up to deliver affordable care options in our community.  This “network” is rapidly growing BTW….Turns out, our local health care professionals are willing to step up and address this need with us.

TOP 3 OVERALL HEALTH ISSUES AND PRIORITIES TO BE ADDRESSED IN NEXT 1-3 YEARS:  Affordable access to care ranked second.  High Plains Health Plan contracts with regional/national care providers for affordable prices on care and prescription drugs, and then passes a large portion of the savings back to covered members/patients through $0 deductibles and copays, including ALL generic medication.  The remainder of the savings go to the employer’s health plan….not us.  Not Butler Benefits.  We do not monetize our direct contracts, charge a percentage of savings fee, access fee, or a percentage of billed charges fee….nothing.  Some health plans/employers are paying very large fees to access better discounts for care in our community.  High Plains Health Plan doesn’t charge those fees.

TOP “AT RISK” GROUPS WHO SAID THEY NEEDED TO SEE A DOCTOR BUT COULD NOT DUE TO COST:  21% of respondents overall cited they couldn’t afford to see a doctor when they needed to.  A significantly higher number than the rest of Texas and the Nation.  Again, affordability is disproportionately affecting racial minorities, seniors, and low-income earners.  Equally alarming, the assessment exposed the fact that 33% of children in our community are uninsured and deemed “at risk”.  

DID ANY OF THE FOLLOWING REASONS PREVENT YOU FROM GETTING THE HEALTHCARE YOU NEEDED FOR YOUR CHILD?  The top three reasons are all related to access and affordability.  “Too High of Cost” and “Deductible was too High” – two issues we’re deeply passionate about, and the main impetus behind High Plains Health Plan.  Our solutions remove financial barriers to care.

TOP PROBLEMS WHEN SEEKING MENTAL HEALTH CARE:  “Cost Too High” top reason.  “Deductible Too High” second highest reason.  Those people are INSURED, and can’t afford care.

These previous responses came directly from citizens (202 in Potter County/202 in Randall County).  Now let’s look at what the KEY INFORMANT survey showed.  Key Informants included Healthcare providers (41%), Education providers (20%), Non-Profit orgs (32%), and a handful of other community stakeholders.

WHAT RECOMMENDATIONS OR SUGGESTIONS DO YOU HAVE TO IMPROVE HEALTH AND QUALITY OF LIFE IN THE COMMUNITY?  The top 6 answers are all addressed in the High Plains Health Plan model, with “Affordable access to care” topping the recommendation list.  HPHP also includes “Navigation Assistance” – we help covered plan members seek out high-quality/low-cost care in the community, and reward them financially for participating with $0 deductibles and $0 copays. 

Affordable access to quality care isn’t just a goal; it’s a necessity.  We’re building a healthcare ecosystem that meets that goal, and supports the entire community – one person, one employer at a time.  Christina’s story can be the Panhandle Region’s story.  I’m inviting you all to be a part of this ecosystem, like so many care providers are today.  There’s much our public sector can be doing to support community health and wellness.  

“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.” – Margaret Mead, American Anthropologist

Josh Butler

Josh is the President of Butler Benefits & Consulting. Passionate about healthcare reform and helping employers save money while improving the quality of employee benefits.

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